The movement toward limited government is at a serious crossroads and tonight it will be on display in New Hampshire. Disillusioned voters have delivered the message loud and clear that they are unhappy with big government, parochial Republicans claiming a conservative mantle. These party activists deeply miss the leadership of Ronald Reagan.
If Republicans are going to start winning again, they need to prove to America that they’re really about big ideas and small government. After leaving behind the principles of small government and increased freedom in favor of pork barrel spending and widespread corruption, Republicans are in danger of rolling back the Reagan Revolution and becoming Democrat Light.
What I’m hoping to see is a Republican candidate who shows a commitment to a broad conservative agenda that social and fiscal conservatives can rally around while appealing to independent voters. A general election “base strategy” feels good but is counterproductive. When a national political party – Republican or Democrat – becomes hostage to single issues, it is a recipe for electoral disaster. Single issue voters are relatively rare, yet everyone is a victim of the Byzantine tax code. Republicans succeed when we propose a broad national vision.
In addition, I hope Republicans don’t let foreign policy issues entirely crowd out the problems we have at home. The war on terror is a critical, but a Republican who aspires to lead must speak to the big issues of our day such as retirement security, energy policy, school choice, and health care. There are entrepreneurial opportunities for someone to tackle these issues in ways that increase personal freedom. Our highest policy objective should not be to save a broken program, or even to replace one program with another, but to enhance personal freedom.
Throughout the past couple of months, I have visited with several of the candidates from whom we will hear tonight. Until proven otherwise, I believe that the eventual winner of the Republican nomination is not yet on the field. Currently, there are two potential candidates making noise, but there could be others. The debate will start in about two hours. I am eager to see what they have to say, but frankly I’ve got low expectations.